Hands-free sanitary mouthguard

ABSTRACT

A mouthguard mounting, comprising a mount adapted for fixed attachment to a helmet; and a tether attached to the mount with a limited range of motion relative to the faceguard is disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/025,921 titled “Hands-Free Sanitary Mouthguard” filed on 15 May 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to mouthguards. More particularly, it relates to mouthguard used by athletes in sports with helmets.

2. Related Art

Mouthguards have been used by athletes and others for several decades. Mouth guards reduce the risk of injury and/or the severity of injury from blows or impacts to the region of the mouth or teeth. Athletic mouthguards are frequently touched by users and also come into contact with the ground, benches, tables, and other surfaces that are not sanitary and may contain disease causing agents such as viruses and bacteria.

In sports such as football where players wear helmets, it is common practice to loosely attach the mouthguard to the helmet facemask with a tether or strap. When not in use, the mouthguard hangs down from the helmet and may come into contact with clothing or other unclean surfaces.

The rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus has led to the use of face masks as a preventive measure. In the context of athletic competition, conventional face masks may not remain in place. They may also easily become contaminated when removed during breaks or even accidentally switched if set down.

SUMMARY

An exemplary embodiment relates to a mouthguard mounting, comprising a mount adapted for fixed attachment to a helmet faceguard; and a tether attached to the mount with a limited range of motion relative to the faceguard. The tether may be a series of connected pieces forming a length with limited movement between pieces or a semi-flexible, flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid material.

These and other features and advantages of various embodiments of systems and methods according to this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of various devices, structures, and/or methods according to the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods according to the present disclosure will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first exemplary embodiment of a face mask and mouthguard system adapted for connection to a chin strap according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side isometric view of the face mask and mouthguard system of FIG. 1 adapted for connection to a hat according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a face mask and mouthguard system of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a second exemplary embodiment of a face mask and mouthguard system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an exploded top plan view of a third exemplary embodiment of a face mask and mouthguard system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of a football helmet with a fourth exemplary embodiment of a mouthguard attachment according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of two ball-and-snap connectors from the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side plan exploded view of the attachment and mouthguard of FIG. 6 showing only two of the ball-and-snap connectors.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the attachment and mouthguard of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view a fifth embodiment of a mouthguard attachment for a chin strap according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a sixth embodiment of a mouthguard attachment for a chin strap according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a seventh embodiment of a mouthguard attachment for a helmet according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A is an isometric view of a helmet of the embodiment of a helmet clip from the embodiment of FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a eight embodiment of a mouthguard attachment for a helmet according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 13A is an isometric view of the helmet clip from the embodiment of FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a ninth embodiment of a mouthguard attachment for a helmet according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 14A is an isometric view of a helmet of the embodiment of a helmet clip from the embodiment of FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a mounting clip according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a mouthguard according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 16A is an isometric view of the connector of the embodiment of FIG. 16.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a mouthguard according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 17A is an isometric view of the connector of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 18A is a front plan view of a first embodiment of a face guard with a male ball-and-snap connection.

FIG. 18B is a front plan view of a second embodiment of a face guard with a female ball-and-snap connection.

FIG. 19A is a front plan view of a first embodiment of a face shield with a male ball-and-snap connection.

FIG. 19B is a front plan view of a second embodiment of a face shield with a female ball-and-snap connection.

FIG. 20A is a front plan view of a first embodiment of a batting helmet with a male ball-and-snap connection.

FIG. 20B is a front plan view of a second embodiment of a batting helmet with a female ball-and-snap connection.

FIG. 21A is a front plan view of a first embodiment of a face mask and jointed connector according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 21B is a front plan view of a second embodiment of a face mask and ball-and-snap connectors according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a side isometric view of a tenth embodiment of a face mask and mouthguard according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 22A is a side perspective view of the ball-and-snap connectors of FIG. 22.

FIG. 23 is an exploded cross-sectional side view of a tenth exemplary embodiment of a combination mouth guard and face mask according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 24A is an exploded isometric view of an eleventh embodiment of a face mask and mouthguard showing the face mask and attachment thereto according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 24B is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 24 showing the connectors that are on each side of the face mask.

FIG. 25 is a side isometric view of a twelfth exemplary embodiment of a face mask and mouth guard adapted for use with a baseball hitting helmet according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 25A is a side isometric view of the tether and helmet attachment of FIG. 25.

FIG. 26 is a side isometric view of a twelfth exemplary embodiment of a face mask and mouth guard adapted for use with a baseball cap according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 26A is a side isometric view of the tether and cap attachment of FIG. 25.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary to the understanding of the invention or render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure relates to athletic mouthguards. In particular, it relates to mouthguards adapted to be attached to a helmet and maintained in position such that contact with the ground, user hands and clothing, tables, benches, and other surfaces is minimized or eliminated.

1. Definitions

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

It should be noted that references to relative positions (e.g., “top” and “bottom”) in this description are merely used to identify various elements as are oriented in the figures. It should be recognized that the orientation of particular components may vary greatly depending on the application in which they are used.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “semi-rigid” is meant to broadly refer to any structure or material that can bend but will retain its shape or position when not being manipulated by the user (i.e., is sufficiently rigid not to be affected by gravity). This includes, but is not limited to, elastic materials. The term also includes structures that have a limited range of motion because of mechanical connections including, but not limited to, lockable connections.

2. Exemplary Embodiments

The present disclosure relates to mouthguards used by athletes. More particularly it relates to devices for attaching a mouthguard to a helmet or chinstrap such that the user may limit hand contact with the mouthguard and remove and set down the helmet with the mouthguard attached without the mouthguard coming into contact with the ground or other surface.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a face mask 220 attached to a chin strap 201 is shown. FIG. 2 shows the face mask 220 attached to a hat 300. FIG. 3 shows the attachment system 100 used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2. A tether 110 made up of a series of ball-and-snap connectors 111 connects to a base 112 that is connected to the chin strap 201 or cap 300. The tether 110 also connects to connectors 113 that connect to each other passing through the face mask 220 and connecting to a mouth guard 210 (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the face mask 220 is shown with an alternative mounting system 1100 comprised of ball-and-snap connectors 1111, connector base 1114, and connectors 1113. The face mask 220 is held in place between connectors 1113 which are attached to mouth guard 210.

Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary embodiment of an attachment system 2100 for a mouthguard 210 and American football helmet 200 is shown. In various preferred embodiments, the mount is held in fixed relation to the helmet (i.e., not allowed to rotate) due to the close fit of the pieces and/or a tight friction fit between the pieces. The attachment system includes a clamp plate 101 and clamp backplate 102 adapted to attach to a helmet face guard 220. The clamp plate 101 and backplate 102 are attached to each other via screws 103. The mount is preferably shaped to match the shape of the faceguard piece (e.g., crossbar) to which it is attached. In various exemplary embodiments, the mount comprises two pieces that are joined by a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts or screws). Screws 103 also tighten the clamp plate 101 and backplate 102 onto the faceguard 201 such that they do not rotate or move relative to the faceguard 201.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the mounting system 3100 is shown in more detail. In various exemplary embodiments, the mouthguard is connected to the mount via a tether 3100 comprising a daisy-chain series of ball-and-snap connectors as shown in the drawings. The ball-and-snap pieces 3111 allow only a small degree of motion between each piece at each connection. This permits the mouthguard a limited amount of movement relative to the helmet which facilitates putting the helmet on and taking the helmet off. It also prevents the mouthguard from hanging down and touching unsanitary surfaces. FIG. 7 shows two ball-and-snap connectors 3111. A series of ball-and-snap connectors 3111 combine, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, to form a tether 3110 that connects a mouthguard 3210 to the clamp plate 3101.

Referring to FIG. 10, the mounting system 4100 is shown incorporated into a chin strap 4201. The chin strap 4201 comprises a mounting 4109 that attaches to a tether 4110 formed by a series of ball-and-snap connectors 4111 that connects to the mouth guard 4210.

Referring to FIG. 11, a mounting system 5100 is shown in connection with a chin strap 5201 and mouthguard 5210. The tether 5110 comprises two rotatably connected arms 5115 that are rotatably connected to the chin strap 5201 and mouth guard 5210. In a preferred embodiment, the connections have sufficient friction that the pieces will not move unless a user adjusts them. In other embodiments, the connections maybe loosened for adjusting the position of the mouthguard and tightened to secure it in place.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 12A, a mounting system 6100 comprises a clip-on plate 6101 for a helmet 200 and a tether 6110 comprising a series of ball-and-snap connectors 6111. The clip-on plate 6101 may be secured to the helmet 200 by friction, adhesive, and/or one or more fasteners (not shown).

Referring to FIGS. 13-13A and 14-14A, a mounting system 7100 comprises a plate 7105 for a helmet 200 and a tether 7110 comprising a series of ball-and-snap connectors 7111. The plate 7106 may be secured to the helmet 200 by adhesive and/or one or more fasteners (not shown). The plate 7106 may be secured to the inside surface or outside surface as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 15, a clamp anchor system 8120 is shown. A clip 8121 attaches to a helmet or similar wearable. Clamp 8122 attaches over the clip 8121 and both are secured with bolt 8123 and washer 8124.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 16A, an exemplary embodiment of a mouth guard 9210 adaptor 9211 is shown. In a preferred embodiment, the adaptor 9211 is attached to the mouth guard 9210 with an adhesive. FIGS. 17 and 17A illustrate alternative embodiments of mouth guard 9210 and adaptor 9211.

Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, two versions of a football face guard 240 with integral mounts 107 and 108 for a mouth guard and/or face mask mounting system according to the present disclosure are shown. The face guard 240 of FIG. 18A includes a male mount 107 and the face guard 240 of FIG. 18B includes a female mount 108.

Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, two versions of a hockey face guard 230 with integral mounts 107 and 108 for a mouth guard and/or face mask mounting system according to the present disclosure are shown. The face guard 230 of FIG. 19A includes a male mount 107 and the face guard 230 of FIG. 19B includes a female mount 108.

Referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B, two versions of a batting helmet 200 with integral mounts 107 and 108 for a mouth guard and/or face mask mounting system according to the present disclosure are shown. The batting helmet 200 of FIG. 20A includes a male mount 107 and the batting helmet 200 of FIG. 20B includes a female mount 108.

Now referring to FIGS. 21A and 21B, two alternative embodiments of facemasks attached to chin straps are shown. In FIG. 21A, face mask 10220 is connected to chin strap 10110 via arms 10115 and is also connected to a mouth guard (not shown). In FIG. 21B, face mask 10220 is connected to chin strap 10110 via ball-and-snap connectors 10111 and is also connected to a mouth guard (not shown).

Now referring to FIGS. 22 and 22A, another exemplary embodiment of a combination mouth guard and face mask is shown. FIG. 22 shows the face mask 11220 and a tether 11100 comprised of a series of snap-in connectors 11111. FIG. 22A shows the ball-and-snap connector 11111 in greater detail. The mouthguard 11210 is attached to a base 11202 on the chin strap 11201 and to mask connector 11203 that holds the face mask 11220 in place via a tether 11100 comprised of a series of snap-in connectors 11111.

Now referring to FIG. 23, an exemplary of a combination mouthguard 12210 and face mask 12220 is shown. Abase or anchor 12202 is attachable to a wearable (e.g., hat, helmet, face guard, etc.) is connected to a tether 12110 made up of a chain of ball-and-snap connectors 12111 that connectors to a first mask attachment 12221. The first mask attachment 12221 is attached to a second mask attachment 12222 and to the mask 12220. A mouthguard 12210 may be attached directly to the second mask attachment 12222 as shown or via one or more ball-and-snap connector 12111.

Now referring to FIGS. 24A and 24B, the face mask connection of the embodiment of FIG. 23 is further illustrated. In this embodiment, the face mask 12220 comprises an opening through which first attachment piece 12221 passes. First attachment piece 12221 receives second attachment piece 12222 and is secured thereto. The face mask 12220 is securely held in place by the attachment pieces 12221 and 12222.

Now referring to FIGS. 25 and 25A, an exemplary embodiment of an attachment system adapted for use with a helmet. Helmet 13200 includes a band 13204 and a base 13202 for a tether 13110. The tether 13110 is comprised of ball-and-snap connectors 13111. As with other embodiments, the number of ball-and-snap connectors 13111 may be varied by the user to fit their specific needs. The tether is also attached to a face mask 13220 and/or mouthguard (not shown).

Now referring to FIGS. 26 and 26A, an exemplary embodiment of an attachment system adapted for use with a hat. Hat 14300 includes a band 14204 and a base 14202 for a tether 14110. The tether 14110 is comprised of ball-and-snap connectors 14111. As with other embodiments, the number of ball-and-snap connectors 14111 may be varied by the user to fit their specific needs. The tether is also attached to a face mask 14220 and/or mouthguard (not shown).

In various exemplary embodiments, the disclosed mouthguard mount includes a fixed attachment to a faceguard on a helmet. The mount is preferably shaped to match the shape of the faceguard piece (e.g., crossbar) to which it is attached. In various preferred embodiments, the mount is held in fixed relation to the helmet (i.e., not allowed to rotate) due to the close fit of the pieces and/or a tight friction fit between the pieces. In various exemplary embodiments, the mount comprises two pieces that are joined by a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts or screws).

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the mount comprises a female attachment and the mouthguard has a male mouthguard. It should be understood that this arrangement may be reversed. In another embodiment, the mouthguard may be connected to the mount with a tether that is semi-flexible with a similar range of motion. The number of ball-and-snap connectors may be varied as needed for different users and equipment (e.g., youth or adult, different helmet types).

In various exemplary embodiments, the mouthguard is connected to a helmet chin strap (meaning both the chin cup and the strap(s) connecting it to the helmet). In one embodiment, the mouthguard may be connected with a daisy-chain series of ball-and-snap connectors, as shown in the drawings. In another embodiment, as shown in the drawings, the mouthguard is connected to the chin strap with a control arm made up of a series of hinged connectors. The hinges are preferably designed to be adjustable but not to lower the mouthguard due to gravity. In one preferred embodiment, screws are loosened or tightened to allow adjustment and locking in position.

In various exemplar embodiments, the mouthguard may be mounted directly on the helmet. In one such embodiment, the mounting is a helmet clip. The helmet clip may rely on a friction grip or use a bolt or screw to attach to the helmet. In another such embodiment, the mounting comprises a mounting plate attached to the helmet with a bolt or screw. The mounting plate may be attached on an inner or outer surface of the helmet.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary to the understanding of the invention or render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

It should be appreciated that the construction and arrangement of the mouthguard, as shown in the various exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. While the mouthguard, according to this invention, has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the mouthguard, according to this disclosure, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the description provided above is intended to embrace all known or later-developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, or substantial equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mouthguard mounting, comprising: a mount adapted for fixed attachment to a helmet; and a tether attached to the mount with a limited range of motion relative to the faceguard.
 2. The mouthguard mounting of claim 1 wherein the mount is attached directly to the helmet.
 3. The mouthguard mounting of claim 2 wherein the mount further comprises a helmet clip.
 4. The mouthguard mounting of Claim 3 wherein the mount further comprises at least one screw or bolt.
 5. The mouthguard mounting of claim 2 wherein the mount further comprises a mounting plate.
 6. The mouthguard mounting of Claim 5 wherein the mount further comprises at least one screw or bolt.
 7. The mouthguard mounting of claim 1 wherein the tether comprises a plurality of ball-and-snap connectors.
 8. The mouthguard mounting of claim 1 wherein the tether comprises a semi-flexible material.
 9. The mouthguard mounting of claim 1 wherein the mount is attached to a face guard.
 10. The mouthguard mounting of Claim 9 wherein the mount further comprises: a first clamp piece and second clamp piece shaped to fit together around the helmet faceguard; a plurality of fasteners connecting the first and second clamp piece; and an attachment for the tether.
 11. The mouthguard mounting of claim 10 wherein the first clamp piece and second clamp piece each comprise a groove adapted to fit to the shape of the helmet faceguard.
 12. The mouthguard mounting of claim 1 wherein the mount is attached to a chin strap. 